Island Scene 2021

ISLAND SCENE
SANIBEL & CAPTIVA’S HOMETOWN MAGAZINE

Sanibel Fashion

B Unique Boutique’s
2021 line-up of tropical
outfits and accessories

Dramatic Designs
from the Sea

www.CedarChestSanibel.com

S. Albert D. Hanser, Founder and Chairman YOU DON’T HAVE
Steven Greenstein, Executive Vice President, Wealth Services Advisor TO GO FAR FOR
Robin L. Cook, CWS®, Executive Vice President, Wealth Services Advisor EXCEPTIONAL
Jeff Muddell, Senior Vice President, Wealth Services Advisor WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Beth Weigel, Chief Operations Officer
Craig Holston, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager Are you new to Sanibel-Captiva
Gary Dyer, CFA, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager or considering moving here?
Joel Johnson, CFA, CFP®, Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Edwin Ciskowski, CPA, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager Relocating doesn’t mean you have to leave
your investment accounts out of state.
Get domiciled sooner by having them
managed right here by our
knowledgeable, local team.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is
the largest independent trust company
in Florida, caring for our clients’
futures since 2001.

Discover the Difference.

Trust & Estate Services
Investment Management

Family Office Services
2460 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
239.472.8300 | 866.262.7137 | sancaptrustco.com

NOT FDIC INSURED I NOT GUARANTEED I MAY LOSE VALUE

SceneMagazines.com 1

The Shady Rooster
2075 Periwinkle Way, #39
Sanibel, Florida 33957
239-985.5668

2 Island Scene 2021

“We enjoy the club immensely. It is a treasure to
have on the islands. The Members are friendly and
inviting. The staff – well, they are absolutely the
best. We really enjoy the golf facilities and lessons”.

GOLF | DINING | WELLNESS | COMMUNITY

DISCOVER SANIBEL ISLAND’S
PREMIER LIFESTYLE...

Nestled within the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife

Refuge, Members enjoy golf and leisure in a secluded tropical
paradise. Members enjoy a state of the art Wellness Center,
Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce, Spa Services, Dining Experiences
and above all warm and welcoming service.

The Sanctuary is your island family, so come join us in paradise.
We can’t wait to welcome you home!

THE SANCTUARY GOLF CLUB
For Membership Inquiries Please Contact Kathryn Riggio

239.322.5182 | [email protected] | www.sanctuarygc.net

2801 Wulfert Road · Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 SceneMagazines.com 3

Voted Sanibel’s #1

4 Island Scene 2021

Shopping Destination
by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

Open Daily • 2 Miles West of Causeway Road on Left
2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL • www.PeriwinklePlace.com

SceneMagazines.com 5

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6 Island Scene 2021

WITH OUR REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

MIKE JULIE ANNA
NEWES OBERLIN PORCELLI

REALTOR® REALTOR® BROKER ASSOCIATE

239-810-1978 765-438-5465 239-734-5032

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
After beginning his career as a sports writing A part of the local community for 25+ years, Julie A believer in “Home is where the heart is”. From
journalist in Minnesota, Mike moved into advertising, enjoys working with both buyers & sellers & truly
where he won a coveted CLEO Award for advertising growing up in New York, spending alternate
excellence. He views his role as more of a consultant, loves the interaction with her customers, who summers in Italy, & later traveling for work to
first providing clients with the information & data often become lasting friends. Her experience, “la bella vita” here in paradise, SWFLA. A proven
they need & the details necessary to complete the integrity, and attention to detail continue to
expand her business with rewarding personal track record for meeting goals, exceeding
transaction successfully. expectations, & passion for serving others make
referrals.
her an ideal choice.

EDDIE KIMBERLY ELLIE
POWERS POWERS SEE

REALTOR® BROKER ASSOCIATE REALTOR®
SCIS SCIS
239-565-5070 239-872-9474 At Home with Diversity
[email protected] 239-910-6474
[email protected] Dedicated to providing her clients with a truly [email protected]
Eddie has built an award winning business impressive real estate experience Kimberly
based on satisfied customers for over 27 years. is genuinely passionate about bringing her Originally from Rhode Island, Ellie made Sanibel
“Helping someone find a place here in paradise client’s dreams to life! Through her 25+ years in home in 1984 & and soon turned her career to
is extremely rewarding and satisfying. ” His marketing & comprehensive knowledge of SWFL Real Estate for the past 30 years. She is an active
experience, knowledge & demeanor make real estate market she takes great care in serving member of our community. Her success includes
customers feel confident & at ease. He is each client with individual attention. a long history of sales as a top 10 producer, her
market knowledge & her enthusiasm & lasting
passionate about Golf, & Traveling
friendships with her clients.

BROOKS TOM & ELISE BARB
SELBY STARR SULLIVAN

REALTOR® REALTORS® BROKER ASSOCIATE
SCIS Certified Negotiation Experts
239-292-7533 ChF, GUILD, MRP 239-281-9174
[email protected] Elise 239-209-3960
A consistent multi-million dollar producing Tom 239-233-5095 [email protected]
Agent & full time Sanibel resident, Brooks owes 28+ years of sales experience & Barb continues
his success to wonderful clients with whom he’s The Team that Listens to You!Elise has 35+ years to exercise her passion of Southwest Florida.
built lasting relationships. His service is built on of successful real estate experience. Tom brings his
the philosophy of service, integrity and trust. military discipline & business expertise to the team. She is an active member of the community.
Because of this, his clients refer him time & again He has experience in sales, marketing, & real estate With a wealth of knowledge about real estate
to their family & friends. investing. They live in a “boating community” & have & excellent reputation within the industry are
demonstrated by her ongoing repeat business &
extensive knowledge of waterfront properties.
They sit on the Board of Directors for John R. Wood friendships that have developed.

LEANE CAROLYN JEAN
TAYLOR SUAREZ TONGYAI WILLIAMSON

BROKER ASSOCIATE REALTOR® BROKER ASSOCIATE
CAM, SCIS, CLHMS SCIS GRI, GREEN, CDPE
239-872-1632 239-691-7100
[email protected] 239-691-2551 [email protected]
Canadian born, LeAne is a full-time, full-service Originally from Litchfield County, Ct with
BROKER/REALTOR® who is a powerhouse [email protected] roots in New Hampshire, & upstate New York.
real estate professional, an expert in the luxury Born & raised in Rhode Island, Carolyn is a Jeanne was trained as an air traffic controller,
market & resort real estate. Her real estate graduate of the University of Rhode Island. She she flourished in business, running all aspects
proficiency provides her clients with outstanding has been a full-time Sanibel resident since 2004. of a building supply company. Jean has called
information regarding all aspects of ownership Her business experience, professionalism & SW Florida for over 30 years. Jean has received
on the islands & SW Florida. attention to detail will make your Real Estate national recognition for production awards.

transaction a smooth one.

SANIBELREALESTATEMARKET.COM
CAPTIVAREALESTATEMARKET.COM SceneMagazines.com 7

Window Treatments . Furniture . Flooring . Lighting . Accessories . Closets

Complimentary In-Home Consultation

Providing Custom Interiors to Sanibel, Captiva,
& Surrounding Communities for over 30 years

SANIBEL . CAPTIVA . FORT MYERS

8 Island Scene 2021 MAIN OFFICE/STUDIO 695 TARPON BAY RD SANIBEL, FL

239.472.6551
www.coin.decoratingden.com

Redefining Island Real Estate
Powerful Marketing
H elpful Service $18,000,000 CaptivaRapture.com
A ttentive Representation $11,500,000 WestGulfDrive.com
I nternational Web Exposure $2,494,900 DinkinsBayou.com
D edicated Professional
R esourceful Advertising
A miable Tenacity

Phaidra McDermott of Kingfisher

Real Estate, Inc. is a life long island resident with global
connections. Phaidra attributes her success to unsurpassed
local knowledge, a passion for the Islands, listening to and
understanding your needs, and boundless enthusiasm coupled
with determination to assist you in achieving your goals.

(239) 898-3778 (text ok) KINGFISHER REAL ESTATE, INC.
KingfisherRealEstate.com
[email protected] 2402 Palm Ridge Road
SanibelSIcselnaenMda, gFaLzi3n3e9s.5co7m 9

10 Island Scene 2021

SceneMagazines.com 11

LUNCH • DINNER • ENTERTAINMENT • WEDDINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS

Come and dive into the newly renovated nautical look here at the Lighthouse

Waterfront Restaurant where we are making a splash with locals and newcomers alike.

Dock yourself at our Pick from a fresh pool
new deepwater inspired of hand crafted
cocktails while
bar featuring local
fish depicted in their listening to local live
natural environment. music day and night.

Our new menus Please join us for
feature both original lunch overlooking

favorites and the water or
new creations from dinner for a
beautiful sunset.
land and sea.

LUNCH HAPPY HOUR DINNER AREA’S BEST

Served Daily (Lounge Only) Served Daily Live Music
11 am - 4 pm Daily • 11 am - 6 pm 11 am - Close Day and Night

Port Sanibel Marina • 14301 Port Comfort Road • Fort Myers, Florida 33908
12 Island Scene 2022139.489.0770 • LighthouseWaterfrontRestaurant.com

SceneMagazines.com 13

in this issue
20

22 20 The “Ding” Darling National Wildlife
24 Refuge Marks 75th Anniversary

22 Rachel Pierce: “Ding” Darling
Artist in Residence

24 CROW Case of the year

26 Sanibel Fashion: B Unique Boutique’s
2021 line-up of tropical outfits and
accessories

34 Sanibel Sea School

36 Ryan Orgera: CEO of SCCF

41 The Sanctuary Golf Club

44 Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
celebrates 25 years of uncovering the
secrets of shells

50 FISH of SanCap: Neighbors Helping
Neighbors

14 Island Scene 2021

CATCH THE SUNSET @ BIMINI BAIT SHACK!!

swuincskeetds! O11peanm@

Tiki Bar and Island Grill

17501 Harbour Pointe Drive
Fort myers, FL 33908

239.360.2248 (BAIT)

Call Ahead Seating!!

gfroeoadt cbreaefrt coccrkatzayi!l mEuvseincts&

biminibaitshack.com SceneMagazines.com 15

in this issue
84

86

90 54 Sanibel's Fab Four Sea Shells

56 Sealife by Congress Jewelers

62 Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva

84 The Other Side of John Lennon

86 Downtown Fort Myers Continues
Development

90 Art Genius: East West Fine Art Gallery
Features Gregory Kurasov

94 Mila Bridger Photography

98 Children's Education Center
of the Islands

16 Island Scene 2021

FRESH FARE FUN DRINKS

Visit our award-winning newly remodeled restaurant and enjoy creative
farm-to-table dishes, each carefully crafted with the freshest ingredients.
And be sure to check out our new bar room addition featuring small plates

and yummy drinks. To learn more, visit cielo–sanibel.com

1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL. Call 239–472–5555

SceneMagazines.com 17

ISLAND SCENE

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA’S HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | SINCE 1993

MANAGEMENT TEAM ADVISORY BOARD
Publisher
Brian Johnson Al Hanser
Advertising Director Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
Edward Ibarra
Graphic Design & Production Nicole McHale
Doug Cook F.I.S.H
Sales Executives
Gina Barfield Neil Peck
Ann Cason The Shady Rooster
Social Media Director
Deanna Cheatham Bridget Vandenburgh
Photographers Bridget Vandenburgh Interiors, Inc.
Jim Anderson
Mila Bridger Dan Thompson
Ann Cason Suncatchers’ Dream
Dennis Goodman
Capt. Matt Johnson Jose Leal
Anja Trepper Bailey-Mathews
National Shell Museum

Tracie Lantz
Three Crafty Ladies

Brian Johnson

PUBLISHER

CONTACT US
Island Scene, Inc.
P.O. Box 122 | Sanibel, FL 33957
[email protected]
Phone: 239.910.3099
SceneMagazines.com

Island Scene, Inc. has taken all reasonable care
to ensure that the information contained in
this publication is accurate; it can be regarded
as reliable but not guaranteed. Materials
contained in this publication are subject to
copyright and other proprietary rights.

18 Island Scene 2021

SceneMagazines.com 19

The “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Marks 75th Anniversary

The refuge celebrated its 75th anniversary on December 1, 2020. Nationally-
syndicated cartoonist and island resident Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling played a key
role in Harry Truman’s 1945 Executive Order establishing the Sanibel National
Wildlife Refuge. The 6,400-acre refuge was renamed in Darling’s honor in 1967.

20 Island Scene 2021

Roseate Spoonbill A “Ding” Darling cartoon on the topic of wildlife extinction

“DING” DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
• In 2020, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island celebrated

its 75th anniversary. Jay Norwood Darling created it as the Sanibel National Wildlife
Refuge in 1945, and it was rechristened in 1967 in his honor, following his death in
1962. It was the first national wildlife refuge named for a person.

• The Refuge Complex encompasses 7,682 acres comprising the main campus
on Sanibel-Captiva Road, Tarpon Bay Recreation Area, Bailey Tract, Perry Tract,
and the Lee Anne Tauck Conservation Tract on Sanibel Island, plus three other
offshore refuges not accessible to the public.

• The refuge is home to about 250 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, 102
species of fish, and 60 species of reptiles and amphibians. Fourteen of its resident
species are federally listed including manatees, loggerhead sea turtles, wood
storks, and smalltooth sawfish.

• Refuge activities include driving, bicycling, and hiking along 4-mile Wildlife Drive;
trails; kayaking; canoeing; stand-up paddleboarding; nature boat and paddling
tours; fishing; and wildlife photography. Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s
recreation concession, rents equipment and conducts tours, including a narrated
tram tour of Wildlife Drive (not currently available).

• Wildlife Drive welcomes nearly a million visitors each year. It opens dawn to dusk.
Admission fees are $10 per vehicle, $1 per cyclist and hiker. Annual passes are
available. For more refuge information, please visit fws.gov/refuge/JN_Ding_Darling
or dingdarlingsociety.org.

SceneMagazines.com 21

Rachel Pierce
“Ding” Darling Artist in Residence

By Brian Johnson

Former NBC-2 News Anchor Rachel Pierce is the Artist in coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the refuge. “Ding”
Residence at the refuge through “Ding” Darling Days in Darling, the driving force in the establishment of the refuge,
October, 2021. was a wildlife artist and nationally-known syndicated
Pierce will be a regular presence on Wildlife Drive as she cartoonist.
paints the natural scenery of the refuge with its abundant
tropical birds, reptiles and mammals. Pierce, originally from Wisconsin, is a fitting choice to
continue Darling’s legacy. Like “Ding,” she has a love of
Visitors to the refuge will have a chance to meet her animals and has promoted conservation throughout her
and watch her paint. She will also participate in educational high-profile career in the media industry. With her caliber of
outreach in the Southwest Florida community. artistic talent, she too is able to reach a wide audience with
her wildlife and nature portraits.
“The refuge is unbelievable,” said Pierce. “I was so blown
away the first time I went through Wildlife Drive and saw the “I remember the day she was out on the Drive shooting
rosette spoonbills and white pelicans. It is a gem of a place.” a video,” said Westland. “She was not with a television crew,
she was shooting it with her phone like any other visitor who
“Rachel is so talented and makes it look so easy,” said comes to the refuge and then posts it on social media. It
Toni Westland, Supervisory Refuge Ranger. “I’ve seen her was so cool to see the footage later on the NBC broadcast.
paint live on Facebook, and it’s very soothing. She’s one of Rachel has been so supportive of the refuge and is great to
those people who exudes positivity with her smile.” work with.”

Pierce’s appointment to the Artist in Residence position

22 Island Scene 2021

“Rachel is so talented…

she’s one of those people

who exudes positivity

”with her smile.
Toni Westland,
Supervisory Refuge Ranger

Pierce is involved in the island community at series. We do crafts, bike rides and pool time. They love it
organizations such as CROW, BIG ARTS, and the Captiva Civic and I love it.” For the first time she was able to be with them
Association. Her art is displayed and for sale at Sunshine on the first day of the school year.
Seafood Cafe on Captiva.
Pierce has been painting a lot on the weekends the
She and her husband, Matthew, moved to Southwest past couple of years, and a growing list of customers gave
Florida seven years ago. They have four young children — her the confidence to make art a full-time profession.
Lydia, Piper, Rory and Daphne. With her effervescent personality and celebrity status, she
has attracted demand from area residents who enjoy her
Her career in the news industry started in Eau Claire, personal touch.
Wisconsin as anchor for WQOW. She met Matthew while
working for the BBC in Washington, D.C. The transition has revealed her business talent, too. She
has rolled out an impressive marketing platform and even
Pierce officially retired NBC-2 on June 26, 2020 to become launched a line of jewelry with her artwork engraved on the
a full-time artist and full-time mom. Her wake-up time is now various pieces. ●
6:15 am instead of 2:15 am. See Rachel at “Ding” Darling and online at
ByRachelPierce.com. You can follow her on
“I never really watched television with the kids at night Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
because of the pressure to get in bed by 8pm,” she said.
“Now we huddle together on the couch and watch streaming

SceneMagazines.com 23

CROW Case of the Year

By Brian Bohlman, CROW Marketing Manager

This year’s CROW Case of the Year is the story of a The bobcat arrived at CROW quiet, but alert. Veterinarians
female bobcat hit by a car and successfully released. suspected she had suffered head trauma from the accident

The sub-adult bobcat was hit in the evening on based on how she was acting. She was sedated so that a

May 7, 2020 as it was crossing Buckingham Road in Fort full exam could be performed including radiographs and an

Myers. Tammy Streets was driving behind the vehicle that ultrasound to evaluate for internal injuries.

hit her and acted quickly by calling her high school friend, “She showed aversive behavior like avoiding eye contact,

Cat Turner, a former senior but she was not alert or strong

staff rehabilitator & sea turtle enough to show normal wild

tech at CROW. Cat and her cat behaviors like hiding or

husband, Kent Turner, rushed aggression,” said Dr. Megan

to the scene. Cabot, a veterinary intern at

“When Tammy called us, CROW. Radiographs did not

she said she had just seen a reveal any broken bones,

bobcat get hit by a car and but the ultrasound showed

disappear into the brush,” signs of trauma to the lungs.

recalled Cat. “After about “No external trauma was

30 minutes of searching, we appreciated which highlights

gave up and headed for the how important further

car. That’s when Kent glanced diagnostics like ultrasound can

over and saw her in the ditch be in an emergent situation.”

unresponsive with shallow An intravenous catheter

breathing.” was placed in the leg so that

With her knowledge of fluid therapy and medications

working with injured wildlife in could be provided. By the

the past, Cat approached the next morning, she was much

bobcat slowly with a towel and brighter and more alert. She

was able to carefully place it was kept in the intensive

into a cat carrier. Once secure care unit for a couple days to

inside the carrier, the bobcat Bobcat recuperating at CROW monitor her recovery.
was rushed to Blue Pearl Pet “Bruising in the lungs often

Hospital in Fort Myers, a 24-hour drop-off location for gets worse in the first 24-48 hours, then resolves over time,”

CROW. It was later picked up by a CROW staff member stated Dr. Cabot. “There is no direct treatment and will take

and taken to the wildlife hospital on Sanibel. some time to fully heal, but luckily was strong enough to

“We were very unsure of her chances of survival, but we overcome the initial damage.”

knew her best chance was to get her to CROW as soon as The feline then moved to an outdoor rehabilitation

possible,” said Kent. “When we heard that she survived long enclosure where she continued to be monitored closely

enough to make it there we knew she had a fighting chance.” using cameras to reduce human interaction.

24 Island Scene 2021

ABOUT CLINIC FOR THE
REHABILITATION OF
WILDLIFE (CROW)

Established in 1968, the Clinic
for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
(CROW) is a teaching hospital
saving the sick, injured and
orphaned native and migratory
wildlife of Southwest Florida
and beyond. Through state-of-
the-art veterinary care, public
education programs and an
engaging visitor center, CROW
works to improve the health of
the environment, humans and
our animals through wildlife
medicine. For more information,
or to plan your visit, go to www.
crowclinic.org. If you find an
animal that is in need of help,
call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.

Bobcat released back to the wild

“She showed all normal behaviors “We were very unsure “We are both very happy to be a part
of her chances of

and became increasingly stressed being survival, but we knew of this beautiful cat’s rescue and release,”
confined in the enclosure,” according her best chance was to said Cat and Kent. “With everything going
to Dr. Cabot. “Because she appeared on in the world right now, it’s very easy

fully recovered, when the risk from her get her to CROW as to forget the most vulnerable and
stress became greater than the benefit of innocent among us - the animals. Please
further monitoring, we cleared her ”soon as possible consider donating whatever you can

for release.” Kent Turner to help this fine organization continue

On Thursday, May 14, the female helping wildlife.”

bobcat was returned to the area she was rescued one week As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, CROW relies on grants,

earlier. A suitable habitat that was away from the main generous donations from the public and funds raised

roadway, thickly wooded and near a stream was selected for through its Visitor Education Center to provide the best

her release. care to its wildlife patients. Donations help provide medical

“She was hesitant to come out at first as she could hear treatment, food and care for the thousands of animals

and smell us in the area,” Dr. Cabot said of the cat’s release. admitted to the wildlife hospital each year. You can make a

“But after a short period of inspecting her surroundings, she donation online by visiting www.CROWClinic.org or CROW’s

shot off into the woods.” Facebook page! ●

SceneMagazines.com 25

Sanibel Style

Model Naomi Rothring wears island fashions from

B Unique Boutique at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
photography by

Mila Bridger

Two piece set Spring Collection 2021 by Elan USA
Accessories by Mare Sole Amore
Provided by B Unique Boutique

26 Island Scene 2021

Angelica Blue Stripes by Bindu Resort 2021 Collection
Earrings by Soraya Celdeño Organic Tagua Jewelry
Provided by B Unique Boutique

SceneMagazines.com 27

Orange Blossom by Skemo Beach Resort Collection 2021
Earrings by Karama Giraffe Collection, Deliia Handbag and Sandals by Skemo
Provided by B Unique Boutique

28 Island Scene 2021

Carmela Off White Jumper by Bindu
Provided by B Unique Boutique

SceneMagazines.com 29

Coral Reef Tier Dress by Skemo 2021
Earrings by Soraya Celdeño Organic Tagua Jewelry

Provided by B Unique Boutique

30 Island Scene 2021

1614 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel FL

Conveniently located at the Heart of the Islands

239-395-4500 www.buniqueboutiquesanibel.com

instagram.com/bubsanibel facebook.com/buniqueboutiquesanibel twitter.com/bubsanibel

SceneMagazines.com 31

KAY CASPERSON

Living the BeautifuLife

S anibel and Captiva are world-renowned for their natural Express and enhance your natural beauty with Kay’s
beauty, so it’s only natural that these beautiful islands are hypoallergenic makeup.
home and headquarters to lifestyle and beauty expert
Kay Casperson and the award-winning Kay Casperson Spa, “I personally design, manufacture or hand-select every single
Salon + Boutique. product I carry, because I use and surround myself with them
every single day – when I do my skincare routine,
Casperson grew up in Minnesota with a passion for making when I put on my makeup, when I take my vitamins and when
people look and feel beautiful, so after graduating high school, I’m working, running errands, spending time with family or
she packed up her bags and journeyed to California to get her just relaxing. I know how challenging finding and maintaining
start in the beauty industry as a makeup artist and stylist. balance can be, and I want to make it as simple as possible for
people to create the beautiful lives they deserve.”
She quickly developed a dedicated following, but when
her clients asked her for skincare suggestions, she could Casperson’s philosophy of nurturing balance and beauty
never recommend a complete collection she whole-heartedly from the inside out also inspires her signature spa locations
believed in. This ultimately inspired Casperson to create her – from revitalizing facials, massage, natural nail care and a
own comprehensive collection of nourishing, hypoallergenic full-service hair salon, to a boutique featuring Casperson’s
products that are much more than just skincare and unlike any inspirational skincare, makeup, wellness and lifestyle
beauty products on the market before or since. collections, as well as an assortment of hand-selected jewelry,
décor, beach accessories and more.
“My philosophy is simple – when we’re balanced from the
inside out, we’re beautiful from the inside out,” Casperson says. “Whether you’re vacationing with your family, planning a
“Each of my skincare products, for example, feature unique wedding, catching up with friends or just taking some time
for yourself to relax and rejuvenate,” says Casperson, “our
Casperson’s philosophy of nurturing balance and beauty from signature locations are the perfect places to celebrate all of
the inside out also inspires her signature spa locations. life’s beautiful moments!”

affirmations to inspire and guide you in caring for your life as Visit the Kay Casperson Spa, Salon + Boutique at Sundial
you’re caring for your skin, because I truly believe that finding Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel (1451 Middle Gulf Drive) and in
balance – emotionally, spiritually, physically, environmentally Chadwick’s Square on Captiva (14830 Captiva Drive).
and socially – is the key to living a healthy, happy, beautiful life.”
Learn more about BeautifuLife by Kay Casperson and view
But Kay Casperson isn’t merely the businesswoman a full menu of spa and salon services at kaycasperson.com.
behind the BeautifuLife brand – she’s also its biggest fan For daily affirmations, lifestyle tips, beauty tutorials and more,
and a daily devotee of the philosophy and products she connect with @kaycasperson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
passionately promotes. and YouTube. ●

32 Island Scene 2021

SceneMagazines.com 33

Sanibel Sea School, where
Every Day is a Field Trip

By Nicole Finnicum

Learning how to handle a surfboard
34 Island Scene 2021

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Campers enjoying snorkeling
Conservation Foundation Family, Finding a horshoe crab
Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to
improve the ocean’s future, one person at
a time. Through half-day classes, week-
long camps, and community outreach
programs, Marine Science Educators
provide hands-on, experiential learning
opportunities. These offerings give
students an opportunity to touch, feel
and interact with the natural environment
in Southwest Florida and provides an
experience that fosters an intimate
connection with our ocean planet.

Sanibel Sea School’s educational
opportunities reach children and families
that are visiting Southwest Florida on
vacation, local students, and also those
that don’t have the opportunity to visit
the ocean in Lee and Hendry Counties.
Sanibel Sea School partners with local
nonprofits and child care organizations to
offer meaningful after school engagement
and classroom visits where the educators
bring the ocean to more inland schools.
Sanibel Sea School believes every student
should have an ocean education and
offers tuition assistance and scholarships
to all of their outreach programs and any
families in need. ●

SceneMagazines.com 35

Ryan Orgera: CEO of SCCF

By Brian Johnson

The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation has been led for the past two “The community
years by Ryan Orgera, who grew up on Lemon Bay in nearby Charlotte
County and has traveled around the globe on conservation initiatives. is so supportive
and engaged, and
A Ph.D. in Geography and “It’s gone incredibly well,” said Orgera, the volunteers are
Environmental Services from who took over the reins from Executive willing to pitch
Louisiana State University, Orgera Director Erik Lindblad. “The community in with their time
brings a striking combination of field is so supportive and engaged, and and energy. SCCF
experience and political experience to the volunteers are willing to pitch in
the job of CEO at SCCF. with their time and energy. SCCF is a is a dynamic
dynamic organization — you usually
He traveled to Africa and Latin don’t see this kind of breadth.” ”organization…
America with Pew Charitable Trusts — Ryan Orgera
to work on ending illegal fishing and SCCF was founded in 1967
shark conservation. His expertise and protects over 1,860 acres of
contributed to protections for 13 types wilderness and monitors over 34 miles
of sharks and rays. of waterways. Visit to SCCF.org to learn
more about their programs.
In the political arena he served U.S.
Senator Bill Nelson as a Knauss Marine Orgera lives on Sanibel with his
Policy fellow, advising on ocean, wife, Alicia Tighe Orgera, who is
coastal and flood insurance policy. the executive director of F.I.S.H. of
Sanibel-Captiva. ●

Ryan Orgera

36 Island Scene 2021

SCCF SEA TURTLE PROGRAM Family Portraits • Senior Portraits • Head Shots • Real Estate

After encouragement from @NICKADAMSPHOTO • WWW.NICKADAMSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM • 239-395-7671
J.N. “Ding” Darling in 1959,
Charles LeBuff expanded his Subscribe to our YouTube channel
sea turtle monitoring and to discover insider tips and hidden gems!
research program, paving
the way for decades of sea
turtle conservation efforts on
Sanibel. When the program was
transferred to SCCF in 1992, 133
loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
nests were laid on Sanibel, and
75 nests were laid on Captiva.

Fast forward to today, and the
nest counts are now up to a
record-breaking 660 and 260,
respectively, in the 2020 nesting
season. This amazing 396%
increase on Sanibel and 255%
increase on Captiva is likely
the result of over 60 years of
concerted conservation efforts
both on the beaches and at sea. 

WWW.THESANCAPGUIDE.COM

SceneMagazines.com 37

Make the Most of Today’s
Estate Tax Benefits

Submitted by The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

While it is always a good
idea to periodically
review one’s estate plans,
the passage of the Tax Cut
and Jobs Act of 2017 (the
“Act”) provided increased
opportunities for estate
planning. Certain provisions
in the Act, along with the
reduced asset values in
today’s environment, may
provide incentives for
additional lifetime gifting.

The Act contains some of the most sweeping changes control” if minority interests are gifted or transferred to
to the IRS Code in decades. It doubled the unified lifetime children or grandchildren. These discounts can typically
exemption for estate and gift taxes, raising the current create a 25% to 35% reduction from the sale value of a
amount to $11.58 million per individual, $23.16 million if privately held company.
married. The lifetime exemption is the amount that can be
sheltered from federal estate and gift tax. Gifts that exceed Whether using marketable securities or closely held stock,
theses exemptions are taxed at a flat 40% rate. A critical the primary strategy is to transfer appreciating assets, such
part of this provision is that it sunsets or reverts back to the as real estate and stocks, before they begin to appreciate.
previous limits of $5.49 million per individual (indexed for The result is there will never be any gift or estate tax on the
inflation) for any gifts made after December 31, 2025. appreciated value.

Timely transfers or gifts of stock before the exemption An extension of this strategy is to transfer assets to
recedes is a viable strategy to preserve wealth for successive grandchildren and great grandchildren, eliminating the
generations. When stock or securities are gifted, the value need for parents to worry about re-gifting wealth as tax
is based on their current value. Given that current values laws change in the future. When considering gifting assets
are relatively low in today’s market, more shares can be to multiple successive generations consult an advisor as
transferred tax free to your children. In addition, future the generation skipping transfer tax (GSTT) will apply. Like
appreciation will be protected from exposure to estate gift and estate tax exemptions, the current GSTT exemption
taxes. for 2020 is $11.58 million and expected to revert to a
significantly lower amount in 2025. The same strategy
Stock or interest in closely held entities may qualify for applies - transfer appreciating assets before they gain value
additional discounts for “lack of marketability” and “lack of and the exemptions expire.

38 Island Scene 2021

How you structure your gifts to beneficiaries is important. Irrevocable trusts
are often used to transfer assets out of an estate and to minimize taxes. As the
grantor, you may make gifts to the trust instead of directly to the beneficiaries.
You can also specify the amount and frequency of distributions.

Family limited liability companies (FLLC) can be used to gift assets to the next
generation while parents are still living and want to maintain control of their
interests in the FLLC. This vehicle is often used to transfer stock of closely held
companies to family members while multiple generations are active in the business.

Regardless of the
options chosen to
transfer assets, this is
an excellent time to
start or continue the
conversation on estate
and business planning
with your family and
trusted advisors. We
are available if you have
questions or would like
talk through options.

Wealth Service Advisors Robin L. Cook, CWS®,
Steven V. Greenstein, J.D., CTFA, Jeffrey A. Muddell with
S. Albert D. Hanser, Founder and Chairman (center)

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
239.472.8300 or sancaptrustco.com
2460 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel, FL 33957

LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX NOTICE: This information is not intended to be and
should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. Readers,
including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information
as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal or tax advice
from their own counsel. Not FDIC Insured | No Guarantee | May Lose Value
IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To the extent that this message or any attachment
concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer
for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.

SceneMagazines.com 39

“Creating New Smiles Every Day”

Mercury Free Gentle treatment of
& Mercury Safe gum problems and
Holistic Approach cavities with lasers
Ozone Kids love the Waterlase!
CEREC One Visit invisalign™
Restorations Cosmetic dentistry
Nitrous oxide gas Lip and tongue tie
and oral sedation

Mark Corke Diane Deacon FORT MYERS

DDS, FAGD, DDS LASER DENTISTRY

40 IslanAdIASOceMneT 2021 1550 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33907
239-936-5442 | FortMyersLaserDentist.com

I mpeccably positioned on over 200 acres adjacent to the J.N. ‘Ding’ Sanctuary Patio
Darling National Wildlife Refuge, The Sanctuary Golf Club offers
its Members an ideal lifestyle in a tropical paradise. The Sanctuary’s Wellness Center
Arthur Hills signature course is designed to enhance the pure joy of Sanctuary Clubhouse
just “being there” and the challenge of playing on a championship golf
course whether you’re a beginner or scratch golfer: An 18-hole, par-
72 course, with meticulously maintained fairways, sculpted bunkers
that force accurate approach shots, and greens that deny the golfer
a simple, straight putt, has rightfully earned Art Hills’ designation as a
“thinker’s course.” A full complement of practice areas for both ball
striking and all aspects of the short game allows the casual golfer as
well as the better player, the opportunity to improve any part of their
game. The Professional Instructors are second to none and utilize the
latest in technology to optimize club fittings and performance analysis.
It’s no wonder that Vartan Kupelian, past President of the Golf Writers
Association of America has described the course as one that its “Members
can play, enjoy, and be challenged by every time,” adding, “that’s as high
a compliment as I can give!”

SceneMagazines.com 41

Beyond Golf, Members enjoy a full range of athletic activities The Sanctuary has two Bocce Ball courts located adjacent to
including Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce, and the Wellness Center. the Veranda patio. With the growing popularity of this sport, the
Barbara Gennity, Director of Wellness, oversees the 6,000 square Bocce Complex was created in 2018. Through both league and
foot Wellness Center, which houses state-of-the-art Cybex cardio at-large play, the game provides Members with competition and
and strength training equipment, a dedicated stretching room, camaraderie.
a group exercise studio, as well as a spa with massage therapy
offerings. Classes include Pilates, yoga, TPI Fitness, and aerobics. Casual elegance and a welcoming, family-
Personal trainers are also available. The heated Sports Pool friendly atmosphere are the everyday values
provides Members the opportunity to swim laps or take exercise
classes in the pool. found throughout the Club.

In addition to the Wellness Center, the Racquet Sports complex The newly redecorated Clubhouse provides the perfect backdrop
includes four Har-Tru tennis courts and four Pickleball courts, run for Executive Chef, Derek Bryner, and his talented team to work
by Christie Bradley, the Club’s nationally ranked Racquet Sports their culinary magic. Chef Derek is a dedicated professional
Director and Ambassador for Pickleball. A full range of pick-up who makes a point of procuring the freshest variety of locally
games, round robins, and match play are fun, competitive, and grown produce, seafood, and meats to complement his delicious
exciting. To hone your skills and round out the program, ask and creative menus. Members and guests alike consider The
about lessons that are available for all levels of play. Christie is Sanctuary their ‘restaurant of choice’ on both Sanibel and Captiva.
just as good a teacher as she is a player. Let her know when you
are ready for a game.

The Sanctuary at Wulfert Point

© Golf ISshlaontsdUnSlicmeitneed22000281
42

Aside from the beautiful Main Dining Room, where dinners, the surroundings combined with a country club lifestyle, creates
dances, and other special Club events are held, the Veranda a unique setting for Members to enjoy life to its fullest. Members
and the Grill Room provide a casual atmosphere for Members embrace a casual elegance and a welcoming approach that
to gather for lunch or dinner. The outdoor dining patio provides provides an active social center for all.
yet another beautiful setting to enjoy Chef ’s outstanding cuisine
while overlooking the picturesque golf course! Experience The Sanctuary for yourself.

The range of Member activities is boundless. The Sanctuary Golf Club is extending an invitation to island visitors
and residents who would like to experience a private, Member-
They include Bridge (all levels), Canasta, Mah Jong, Book Club, owned, Platinum Golf Club. Temporary Members have, for their
Stitching Group, Art Classes, Speakers’ Forum, Ladies’ Lunch one- or two-months Membership, full access to the Club’s facilities
Bunch, Native Plant Tours, Spring Bird Count, Wellness Lectures, including golf, dining, fitness and court sports. Pampering and
Holiday Parties, Seafood Buffets, monthly Sanctuary Friends’ personalized service is waiting for you.
Night, and Dinner Dances, as well as Golf, Bocce, Pickleball, and
Tennis tournaments for all levels. Come walk around and see the So, if you demand the best in golf, court sports, wellness
smiles, hear the laughter, and watch the fun! activities, exceptional dining, and fun-filled social activities, come
visit us and see for yourself! To set up a tour contact Kathryn
Members of The Sanctuary are a unique group of people, hailing Riggio, Membership Coordinator, at (239) 322-5182 or email
from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe, and yet all [email protected] for more information. •
are drawn to this special island paradise. The natural beauty of

The Sanctuary Golf Club

2801 Wulfert Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957

239.472.6445 • www.sanctuarygc.net

SceneMagazines.com 43

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM

Sanibel museum celebrates
25 years of uncovering the secrets of shels

A live Junonia at
the Shell Museum

F or a quarter of a century, a unique TOP 10 LIST OF FUN FACTS ABOUT MOLLUSKS
Sanibel museum has held a special
place in the lore of the world’s 1 Much sea life, including whales and dolphins, depends on
shelling capital.
mollusks for food.
More than 1 million people have
gazed upon the Bailey-Matthews 2 Ocean love:
National Shell Museum’s world-class
collection in those 25 years, and now A cockle’s bivalve shell is heart-shaped.
they also find intriguing aquariums
revealing the live animals behind those 3 The Giant Pacific Octopus is a mollusk, too –
shells, including living Junonias.
its shell disappeared through millions of years of evolution.
To celebrate its anniversary and the
intriguing, but often overlooked, animals 4 Deadly efficient:
that create shells, the museum shares a
Top 10 list of fun facts about mollusks. The cone snail uses up to 60 toxins to capture prey.

To learn more about these unique 5 Here’s looking at you: A scallop has up to 200 eyeballs,
animals and shells in the “Beyond Shells:
The Mysterious World of Mollusks” spaced along the edges of its shell.
experience, plan your visit and purchase
advance tickets at shellmuseum.org. ● 6 Whoa: Giant clams can reach more than 4 feet across and

weigh nearly 500 pounds. (And they live to 100 years old!)

7 Lefty/righty: Most snail shells coil in a right-hand direction,

dextral, but just like people, a small number are left-handed,
or sinistral.

8 Tenacious: The fibers that make up limpet teeth are among

the world’s strongest natural materials – so they can cling to
rock even in the harshest waves.

9 As shells languish in sand or mud with little oxygen, iron in

the shell combines with sulfur to act as a dye, changing the
shell’s color.

10 Due to changing climate and ecological disruptions, mollusks

face threats to their survival that could impact life on Earth.

44 Island Scene 2021

SceneMagazines.com 45

1.

2. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
3.
1. The Shell Museum receives broad community support
4. 2. Scott Congress speaks at the annual gala
46 Island Scene 2021 3. Museum visitors looking at exhibits

4. Richard Johnson speaks at the annual gala

SceneMagazines.com 47

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

The One and Only Bank of the Islands

by Willy Ocasio, Bank of the Islands Vice President and Sanibel-Captiva Office Manager

B ank of the Islands is the oldest locally owned and operated tickets and t-shirts

community bank - not only on Sanibel and Captiva but for charitable events.

throughout Lee County. Our island customers particularly value We happily host

that we are the only banking institution with offices and ATMs many non-profit

on both Sanibel and Captiva. We truly are the one and only displays in our

Bank of the Islands – plural. lobbies, encouraging

We have been chosen the “Best Island Bank” for the last awareness of good

22 years, and the “Best Mortgage Broker” with the “Best causes and attendance Sanibel Office
Financial Services” again this year. These local honors, as well at fundraising events.

as our BauerFinancial “5-Star Superior” national rating, are We also help island organizations through the “We Love Our

great sources of pride for our professional banking staff and Islands” program founded by our CEO Geoff Roepstorff, whose

our customers. family members are longtime islanders. Owners of vehicles

Our greatest source of pride, though, comes from being bearing a “We Love Our Islands” decal are randomly selected to

a deeply committed corporate citizen within our island choose which island non-profit will receive the bank’s donation

community. Our bankers proudly serve on quite a few of our that week. Beyond our other charitable contributions and

islands’ non-profit boards. As a team, we volunteer our time sponsorships, this program alone has given over $90,000 in

and talents to help in many good causes throughout the year. bank donations to island nonprofit organizations.

Along the way, we have been honored to play a small part

in making big improvements to great island destinations.

We were happy to help fund the restorations of the Captiva

Community Center and the Sanibel Community House, both

truly outstanding island gathering places. And, especially if you

haven’t been there yet, please stop by SCCF’s Bailey Homestead

Preserve at 1300 Periwinkle Way. Our bank funded the

Conservation Gateway Kiosk on the Preserve’s Shipley Trail. The

kiosk shares SCCF’s history and directs visitors to all the islands’

conservation and historical organizations.

If it’s time to find a bank that makes banking about its

customers and its community, we hope you’ll choose the one

Bank of the Islands Coastal Cleanup Team off to work and only Bank of the Islands.
Sanibel: 1699 Periwinkle Way at the corner of Casa Ybel Road

Blue t-shirts identify Bank of the Islands’ staff and their • 239.472.7211

families as we pick up beach litter during the annual Coastal Captiva: 14812 Captiva Drive next to the Post Office

Clean-Up. We also serve as cashiers for CROW’s (Clinic for the • 239.395.0248

Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s) Taste of the Islands, one of several

major fundraising events for which Bank of the Islands serves

as Presenting Sponsor. Whether it’s SCCF’s (Sanibel-Captiva

Conservation Foundation’s) Wines in the Wild, the FISH of

San-Cap 10K race, and this year the 75th Anniversary Gala for

the Ding Darling Wildlife Society, Bank of the Islands is deeply

committed to supporting our island non-profits and their www.BankoftheIslands.com
good works. Offices of Edison National Bank

Our bank lobbies are places where islanders know they Member FDIC
can drop off canned goods for neighbors in need and buy

48 Island Scene 2021